Learning from Nature

I must confess I’ve not seen Eli Roth’s The Green Inferno (see Delete this Racist Movie). Just the trailers. Frankly I don’t think I could stomach watching it. It’s not just the gore but the total dissing of indigenous people as savage cannibals. Fortunately,Andrew Miller the director of Amazon Watch’s Washington DC office, sat through the entire film. And he didn’t even get get hazard. Hats off to Andrew. You can see his critique here.

Amazon Watch is one of the most effective organizations working to protect the rights and territories of indigenous peoples of the Amazon region of Central and South America.

Government regulation saves lives: Tired of hearing GOP Presidential Candidates calling for an end to government regulation? Take a look at Paul Krugman’s excellent in today’s NY Times, “Dewey, Cheatem & Howe.” The op-ed, blasts the anti-regulators and starts off like this:

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Paul Krugman, a man for all seasons. Picture from Village Voice.

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But by some stroke of fate?, here is the banner add that sits atop the Editorial in the on-line version.

Reproduction of this advertisement in no way constitutes an endorsement or critique of “Blood & Oil.” Check it out, we’ll publish your review.

The Green Inferno: On September 25, this coming Friday–with Pope Francis still in the U.S.– Eli Roth’s new horror film, The Green Inferno will hit the theaters near you. The movie depicts a group of student activists who travel from New York City to the Amazon forest to “save” a tribe. When their plane crashes the tribe takes the group hostage. The members of the tribe then kill the youthful captives whom they roast, carve up and eat. All in gory detail. You can get a ?? good feel?? for the movie by viewing either the official trailer or the more lucid red version.SIGN PETITION–DELETE THIS MOVIE.

Students on route to a remote tribe in the rainforest. (From Green Inferno trailer)

The group is captured and awaits their fate. (From Green Inferno trailer.

The most horrible thing about the film is not the horror, but the film’s portrayal of indigenous peoples as brutal cannibals. The film is a betrayal of the truth. In reality today’s Amazon tribes could teach “the civilized world” a great deal about civility. While the corporate dominated global economy is busy usurping tribal land, destroying forests and playing roulette with the climate, indigenous peoples have sustained their communities and their biodiverse natural resources for thousands of years. For more, see thecompanion post.

Critiques: Tara Houska is Ojibwe from Couchiching First Nation and a tribal rights attorney in Washington, D.C.. she has written a sharp critique of The Green Inferno.Here is a salient quote:

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Eli Roth: Thought he’d profit at the expense of indigenous peoples and their struggle to survive, but the movie is crashing at the box office. (Edit, Oct. 7, 2015)

In other words, no problem seizing lands from backward, evil savages.

Student screams for her life. From trailer.

We also refer you to the statement by AIDESEP, The Inter-Ethnic Association for the Development of the Peruvian Amazon, Peru’s largest indigenous coalition composed of some 64 indigenous peoples. And this post by AMAZON WATCH.

Compare the images in Green Inferno with those from real life:

Awa’ Hunters: The Awá are one of the few remaining nomadic hunter-gatherer tribes in Brazil. Their home is in the devastated forests of the eastern Amazon. Today they are hemmed in by massive agro-industrial projects, cattle ranches and colonist settlements. See Survival International Article on autonomous tribes.Photo: Fiona Watson.

A Sarayaku Kichwa village in the Amazon Rainforest region of southeastern Ecuador . To get more info and see a great movie, “Children of the Jaguar, go to Chakana Chronicles.

In the coming weeks, Eko-squared will provide a series of posts on indigenous people and why their survival is of vital importance to the entire world.

A struggle to survive: Indigenous peoples the world over are the earth’s most effective protectors of nature; From tundra to rainforest these communities depend on healthy ecosystems for their sustenance. They are also in a life and death struggle to survive the onslaught of development including mining, oil and gas extraction, monoculture agriculture, logging, and hydroelectric projects. Rather than protect indigenous peoples, many governments either openly or covertly support the developers. As a result cities large numbers of displaced tribespeople wind up living in the squalid slums in cities like Manaus in the Amazonas Province of Brazil. Many who resist have been killed. Contact with outsiders often infects indigenous peoples with diseases with deadly consequences.

Smoke billows as an area of the Amazon rainforest is burned to clear land for agriculture near Novo Progresso, Para State. Photograph: Nacho Doce/Reuters. The article in the Guardian cites scientists who assert that the rainforest is losing its ability to regulate climate. Go to Guardian article.

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An indigenous woman of Brazil’s Landless Movement holding her child while Amazonas state police expel them from privately owned land on the outskirts of Manaus, the heart of the Amazon, in March 2008. Social movements will become more vital as global power becomes consolidated in the hands of a few. Photograph: Reuters

A Range of indigenous communities: Recently there have been news reports on newly discovered tribes in remote regions of the Amazon Rainforest. Brazil’s Amazon is home to more uncontacted tribes than anywhere in the world. There are thought to be at least 77 isolated groups in this rainforest, according to the government’s Indian affairs department. FUNAI. See full article on Survival’s Website.

At the other end of the spectrum are indigenous peoples who have been dispossessed of their ancestral lands and forced to live in urban “favelas” or “barrios” often in poverty. In some cities (e.g. Brazil in the leadup to the World Soccer Cup (2014) have had to fight to for their homes once again.

The good news: Numerous indigenous groups are becoming technologically, politically and legally astute, while preserving their language and traditions. A good example is the Sarayaku Kichwa people of Ecuador, who have had major successes in fending off oil companies in international courts. See Amazon Watch article on the Sarayaku. These tribes have formed inter-tribal and international organizations such as Coordinator of Indigenous Organizations of the Amazon River Basin (COICA). Perhaps the most powerful and advanced indigenous peoples in Brazil are the Kayapo. Kayapo drew upon their warrior tradition to stave off loggers and miners. See terrific article in National Geographic

Brazilian indigenous people use computers inside a tent during the XII Games of the Indigenous People in Cuiaba November 13, 2013. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker

Primitive? Although many people in the “civilized world” view indigenous societies as primitive, a closer look tells a very different story. Indigenous peoples tend to foster cooperation within the community and a harmonious relationship with nature. Rather than being “consumed by consumption” indigenous communities hunt, gather, grow and build what they need. They don’t work for a boss, but for their families and communities. They keep their traditions including music, dance, stories, and art. What herbs are good for a sour stomach or headache? Ask the shaman.

Demonstrators protest the clear-cutting of forest for copper, molysbenum an profit

Rampant deforestation: Armenia, located in the Caucuses Mountains Eurasia, has lost a large portion of its forests in recent decades. In 1990, 30 percent of land was forested. Now forest covers less than 7 percent of Armenia. Logging, much of it illegal, is being carried out on a large scale — the wood being used for home heating (natural gas increasingly expensive) and export.

The Teghut mine: One of the best preserved areas of old growth trees, the Teghut forest, located in the nation’s north, is now threatened. The Armenian government has approved a major copper and molybdenum mine in the Teghut region that will have a devastating and irreversible impact on thousands of acres of old forest, grassland, endangered plants and animals, and natural resources. If your time is limited sign the petition here and now! If you want more info keep reading.

As shown in the photo of the logs below, clear cutting of the Teghut forest has already begun for the mine. Excavation will leave a massive open pit — 600 meters deep — with the overburden and tailings dumped into surrounding valleys (similar to mountain-top removal). The government has allocated nearly 5,000 acres to the mining company, of which about 4,000 are forested and the remaining nearly 2,000 acres are are community lands.

Economic and health impacts: The project will also have many adverse impacts on the two villages in the area, Teghut and Shnogh and traditional village economies. Toxic drainage from the mine, tailings and sediment ponds will likely contaminate ground and surface water critical for domestic use and irrigation. The deforestation is likely to result in massive soil erosion, landslides, the clogging of streams and loss of agricultural lands and a major step backwards with regard to sustainable development.

The mine company, Vallex, has promised about 1000 jobs to people in the area. Given, dire poverty and high unemployment rates, many village residents support the mine – even though the pay is low and the will last only until the ore runs out in 20 years or thereabouts. However, residents of the area are beginning to get a taste of their future with the mine. First development process is producing clouds of dust. Secondly, several people were beaten by Vallex security guards. As a result residents blocked the road to the mine area for several days until the company fired the culpable guards.

Growing opposition to corruption and oligarchy: In Armenia an increasingly militant coalition–n has sprung up to fight the project. There is also a growing to the mine project in Armenian Diaspora – here and other in countries. Organizations in Armenia and Europe have also raised critical issues with regard to governance. In the case of Teghut, government officials were charged with embezzlementafter selling massive volumes of wood and pocketing the equivalent of $12,000 (U.S).

But the issue is far bigger. The government’s approval of the mining permit was granted without public involvement, without transparency and in violation of numerous laws and international agreements (e.g. protection of forests). For more information go to the post on the Armenian Environmental Network (AEN) blog. For a good description of the government corruption and collusion on environmental issues see the excellent report by the Policy Forum of Armenia. Ekos-Squared previously reported on similar rule of law issues with regard to the commercial kiosksbeing built in a Yerevan (capital of Armenia) public park. Nearly every Armenian, I’ve talked to has told of rampant corruption and the rule of a small number of oligarchical families that control major developments of natural resources.

Finally: It is essential to stop the growing trend for money to influence government decisions not only in Armenia but right here in America.

The Armenia Connection: As readers may know, my wife Claudia and I spent two weeks (last Sep/Oct) in Armenia visiting my son Yevgeniy Cole who is serving as a Peace Corps volunteer there. We saw quite a bit of the country, got to meet with many people in the Capital Yerevan including environmentalists, villagers, shop owners and more. Being an unabashed eco-hugger; I was immediately drawn into the issues including deforestation and waste disposal. I now serve as a member of the Advisory Board of the Armenian Environmental Network. Our trip included a visit to the Armenian Tree Project’s nursery in Karen. ATP has planted nearly 4 million trees in rural areas, villages and cities since 1994.

Thousands of Records Fall: Since March 12, more than 7,000 warm temperature records (warm daily highs and warm overnight lows) have been set or tied, including numerous all-time monthly high temperature records from the High Plains to the East Coast, and north into Canada. Dr. Jeff Masters co-founder of Weather Underground summarizes the situation as follows:

“The most incredible spring heat wave in U.S. and Canadian recorded history is finally drawing to a close today, after a 10-day stretch of unprecedented record-smashing intensity. Since record keeping began in the late 1800s, there have never been so many spring temperature records broken, and by such a large margin. .. The 85°F measured at Western Head, Nova Scotia (March 22) was the third warmest temperature ever recorded in Canada in March, according to Environement Canada. … Michigan’s all-time record for March warmth was toppled on Wednesday, when the mercury hit 90°F at Lapeer. The intensity of the Summer in March, 2012 heat wave are simply off-scale… one of the most extraordinary weather events in recorded history. For additional information on the “Summer in March.” Go to Jeff Masters’ Blog.

What explains the “Summer in March?” The NOAA satellite photo ( March 21) below shows a large area of mostly clear skies over the eastern third of the nation. The warm condition over this enormous region was caused was a very slow moving weather system known as a ‘blocking high.” See Satellite photo. In such high pressure systems, the outflow at the surface causes (arrows) causes air to sink and sinking air becomes warmer and drier and clouds are suppressed. The bright sunshine and southerly wind flow over much of the area also raises temperatures. The comma shaped band of clouds represents a slow moving low pressure system and front that is now bringing relief and rain to the eastern U.S.

March heat wave caused by a blocking high pressure system in East & Midwest. Yellow arrows show wind directions. Date of NOAA Source:http://www.climatecentral.org/

Role of global warming and climate change. This event (now coming to a close) is the latest in a series of weather events that are way beyond the normal variation typical of global climate. Texas is experiencing one of its worst droughts in history with many areas running out of water. Moscow in summer 2010 experienced worst heat in recorded history — coupled with uncontrollable fires and smog. And don’t forget the high frequency of unusually severe tornadoes that destroyed dozens of communities across the south.

For the consensus view of scientists on the relationship between climate change and weather extremes, visit this link.

WHY THE NEAR $4.00 GAS? The feverish atmosphere nonetheless, high placed politicos (mostly Republican) are attempting to reap political points on driver outrage over rising gas prices. Without any basis in fact, they blame President Obama for the rising gas prices because he wants to make sure that offshore drilling is safer and wants to follow the law on having a valid environmental impact statement before giving a green light to the Keystone Pipeline project. He is also mindful that lots of ranchers and farmers in the Great Plains don’t want the pipeline anywhere near the Ogalala Aquifer or their ranches. So Obama’s approach is more balanced and emphasizes renewable energy and efficiency (e.g cars). But this doesn’t satisfy the “drill it all no matter what crowd.”

Somethings askew with the messages: First, it turns out, there is more drilling for natural gas and oil going on now than at any time during the Bush Administration. Secondly, U.S. demand for gasoline is not going up it’s going down! Thanks mainly to the increasing efficiency of cars being driven in the U.S. according to leading experts such as Daniel Yergin. (See recent NPR piece.)

So the GOP / Big Oil charges seem unfounded. In fact recent spikes in gasoline prices don’t correlate well with the usual supply and demand factors either in the U.S. (See US Demand chart bottom of post ) or global demand for oil (See Global Demand Table bottom of post). So what’s going on? And by the way, don’t blame your local gas station franchise; they have to pay the price for gasoline driven by crude oil prices — and when the wholesale prices spike so do the retail prices — both can happen within days. This gives us the clue — what can change faster than Clark Kent in a phone booth? A stock market on steroids!

Buying and selling oil futures on the NY Mercantile Exchange. They make the commissions, who makes the profits?

The Oil Speculators: There is growing evidence that the recent peaks in gas prices have little to do with traditional supply and demand but are being fueled by speculators — the Wall Street guys. By buying up huge volumes of oil futures stocks, the big investors drive up the price of oil and then profit when their holdings are big enough — never mind the damage done to most people, and to the fragile economic recovery.

BERNIE SANDERS TAKES ACTION TO CONTROL OIL SPECULATORS: When it comes to standing up for the majority of Americans and the environment against the energy interests and Wall Street profiteers, it’s often U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (VT, Ind) who takes the lead. See our previous post.This time around, Sanders led a group of progressive Senators to introduce a bill that would give the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) greater ability to prevent dangerous speculation on oils futures. The bill, which after its passage would give the CFTC 14 days to create regulations designed to halt excessive oil speculation, is co-sponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Al Franken (D-MN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Bill Nelson (D-FL). To continue. See Sander’s speech on Senate floor.

Recent gasoline trends for U.S. and East Coast locations. Source: GasBuddy. Click to enlarge.

Urge WAMU to remove the American Petroleum’s “Vote-4-Energy” sponsorship ads from all future broadcasts. This ad is politically charged and comes dangerously close to the electoral campaign advertisements from candidates who advocate rampant exploitation of fossil fuels regardless of their environmental costs. The ad comes dangerously close to campaign rhetoric of Republican Presidential candidates who have attacked President Obama’s more balanced stance which includes environmental protection, energy efficiency standards for cars, and renewable energy. Big Oil –thanks to the Supreme Court’s United Citizens decision — now has a virtually unlimited to fund the election campaigns of its preferred candidates. We certainly hope that WAMU is not for sale. See theVote-4-Energy Website.

Today (March 19): I spoke with both NPR and WAMU corporate sponsorship directors; the ads are specific to NPR’s affiliate Washington DC WAMU. So we are redirecting the petition to WAMU. I was told by NPR’s spokesperson that the American Petroleum Institute has never sponsored NPR.

The WAMU sponsorship director Anthony Hayes told me that his department checked out the promo with their legal team who said that the ad did not violate the Federal Election Commission rules. I asked Mr. Hayes whether the station had considered the ethics of allowing politically biased ads such as API’s or Monsanto’s (did you here they are saving the world). I asked about the “fairness doctrine” and if WAMU would allow another view such as mine. Mr. Hayes replied that I had every opportunity to be an underwriter and get on the airwaves. I told him this was unfair since API has the money to get on the air multiple times each day, every day of the week. I am not in that financial position. (He laughed at this.) Stay tune; I’ll be talking to the acting Station Manager shortly.

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To show you just how insidious and outrageous this whole thing is go to Vote-4-Energy’s website. This will take you to a map of the U.S. where you can click on your state to get information on Senators and Reps. You click on voting records and then you pick a one of the officials, I picked Ben Cardin, the Democratic and Progressive Senator from Maryland who is running for re-election. Here is what comes up! A report card on the Senator’s voting record graded by the American Petroleum Institute (API, i.e. Big Oil).

Tax – Would have denied section 199 manufacturing/production, cutback foreign tax credits for dual capacity taxpayers and limited the ability of companies to take a credit for foreign taxes on oil and gas income against other types of U.S. income.

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Environment – Prevents the EPA from regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.

WALL STREET ESSAY: Thank goodness for folks like Greg Smith. He’s the guy who shocked Wall Street yesterday by resigning from Goldman Sachs. Smith’s reason — his conscience would no longer allow him to work there due to the firm’s treatment of its clients (investors who pay a brokerage fee to Goldman). According to Smith, Goldman tried to sell troubled stocks to its clients, in order to maximize profits. Smith’s disclosure in a New York Times Op-Ed hit like a tsunami. Immediately, Goldman saw its market value shrink by $2.15 billion.

As Smith said in his op-ed, “I attend derivatives sales meetings where not one single minute is spent asking questions about how we can help clients. It’s purely about how we can make the most possible money off of them. If you were an alien from Mars and sat in on one of these meetings, you would believe that a client’s success or progress was not part of the thought process at all. It makes me ill how callously people talk about ripping their clients off. Over the last 12 months I have seen five different managing directors refer to their own clients as ‘muppets,’ sometimes over internal e-mail.” To see our broader analysis click here.

Environmental Film Festival Comes to DC: See it here. For calendar of events clickhere.Some examples of the dozens of films to be shown from March 13-25, 2010.

People of a Feather: Travel through time into the world of the Inuit on the isolated Belcher Islands in Hudson Bay in a film capturing the peril that the Sanikiluaq people are facing due to environmental and ecosystem devastation…Continue Reading, March 17, 2 PM, National Museum of the American Indian. (Free, no reservations needed).

Symphony of Soil: World Premiere Drawing on ancient knowledge and cutting edge science, Symphony of the Soil is an artistic exploration of the miraculous substance that is soil. By understanding the elaborate connections and mutuality between soil, water, the atmosphere, plants and animals, we come to appreciate the complex and dynamic nature of this precious resource. The film also examines our human relationship with soil, including the use and misuse of soil in agriculture, deforestation and development, and the latest scientific research on soil’s key role in ameliorating the most challenging environmental issues of our time. March 25, 4 PM National Museum of Natural History. Free, no reservations required.

OCCUPY COMES TO ARMENIA: Mashtots Park – Police Move in! The Yerevan mayor and council are allowing commercial kiosks to move into Mashtots Park, a trend that could lead to one of the capitals enduring treasures – its beautiful parks. Environmentalists and “rule of law” advocates have occupied the site and have called for the dismantling of the Kiosks, shown below. You can see from the photo why those who love the parks would protest the kiosks. We have been following this situation for several days. Last night, Armenian Time, police moved into the occupation zone to clear out the encampment of occupiers.

RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan stated today that the commercial stores constructed in Mashtots Park would be dismantled within the next three years. However, 3 years is a long time, perhaps, forever. The occupiers are now planning to march to the government building. They have collected more than 10,000 signatures on a petition urging the city to dismantle the kiosks. To see more go to this link.